Author: Victoria Nana Adwoa Kwofie
At the 2024 Paralegal Conference held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, Dr. Francisca Kusi-Appiah, Vice Dean of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), underscored the critical need for legal clinics to enhance access to justice in Ghana.
Organized by the Centre for National Interest and Research in collaboration with the Institution of Paralegals and Legal Executives and the Africa Center for Collaborative Dispute Resolution, the conference drew attention to the challenges citizens face in obtaining legal assistance.
Dr. Kusi-Appiah, who also represents the Legal Aid Commission, emphasized the importance of legal institutions establishing legal clinics within communities to address the justice gap.
“Most citizens, aside from financial constraints, are not aware of the avenues available to access legal services, resorting instead to radio and television stations to discuss their issues. We need collective efforts to bridge this gap,” she stated.
The UPSA Law School has already taken steps to remedy the situation by setting up a legal aid clinic. According to Dr. Kusi-Appiah, this clinic is designed to assist indigents with basic legal needs while also providing practical training for law students.
“The clinic offers practical experiences through our litigation, mediation, and advocacy departments, giving students the chance to engage with real-world legal issues,” she added.
Addressing the scarcity of lawyers in the Legal Aid Commission, Dr. Kusi-Appiah acknowledged that many law graduates are opting for private practice due to higher financial incentives. She noted, “The Attorney General is recruiting, but people are not taking up these jobs, which is one reason they’ve allowed students with Senior High School certificates to pursue LLB courses.”
In a solidarity message, Ms. Abena Konadu Yeboah, a Legal Officer from the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), commended the work of paralegals in promoting justice.
She recognized the challenges paralegals face, including limited resources and recognition but assured them of CHRAJ’s support. “Amidst these challenges, CHRAJ reaffirms its commitment to supporting paralegals through training, public education, and advocacy on public reforms,” Ms. Yeboah said, encouraging paralegals to continue their crucial work.
The conference participants also shared their personal experiences and concerns, highlighting the need for increased resources and career advancement opportunities for paralegals. The event served as a platform to advocate for better recognition of paralegals’ roles in the justice system, with a shared goal of ensuring justice for all citizens.